MediMaatjes Growth Collective
The MediMaatjes Growth Collective is a Social Impact Programme for university students in cooperation with Leiden University College. During a six-month programme, participants play an active role supporting the growth of MediMaatjes through the development and execution of strategic initiatives. By combining social impact, leadership development and practical experience, the programme offers a unique opportunity to learn, lead, and make a meaningful difference.
The purpose of the programme is to attract talented young people who are passionate about improving access to healthcare and eager to develop their leadership and professional skills Throughout the programme, each participant leads a strategic project in one of the three focus areas: volunteer recruitment & engagement, marketing & communications, or learning & development through the MediMaatjes Academy. By delivering these projects, participants contribute to the sustainable growth of MediMaatjes, helping to strengthen the organisation’s long-term impact and capacity for growth.
Why
MediMaatjes believes that everyone deserves to understand what they are being told about their health. By supporting people with limited health literacy during medical appointments, Medimaatjes helps make healthcare more accessible and understandable. Trained volunteers guide patients before, during, and after consultations, bridging the communication gaps between patients and healthcare professionals, reducing healthcare avoidance and improving health outcomes.
The Growth Collective supports this mission by connecting talented students with real organisational growth challenges. Through strategic projects, participants invest in their own personal, professional and leadership development while building sustainable solutions and systems that strengthen MediMaatjes’ long-term impact and continue to benefit the organisation long after the programme has ended.
Programme Structure
Duration: 6 months
Time & location: Approximately 4-8 hours per week (depending on the project phase). Primarily remote, with occasional in-person sessions, allowing participation alongside studies.
Programme components: Strategic project work, mentoring, skill-development workshops, stakeholder meetings, and team sessions with fellow participants.
Programme activities include:
- Weekly online team meeting (30–45 minutes)
- Monthly in-person innovation and strategy session (2 hours)
- Individual reflection and skills development session every two months
- One-to-one mentoring sessions with the Director
- Delivery of the individual strategic project
- Operational activities linked to the participant’s own role, as well as collaborative support for fellow participants’ projects
Participants receive a volunteer allowance of €150 per month to help cover participation-related expenses.
Role profiles
Volunteer Growth Lead
Responsible for volunteer recruitment, partnerships with educational institutions, referral programmes and ambassador engagement.
Marketing & Growth Lead
Responsible for social media, storytelling, content creation and creative marketing campaigns.
Academy & Learning Lead
Responsible for onboarding, microlearning initiatives, knowledge management and the development of the MediMaatjes Academy.
Ready to make an impact?
Application Form
Submit a 2-minute video or a presentation of up to 3 slides answering the following question:
“If you were appointed Director of MediMaatjes tomorrow, what would be the very first thing you would do and why?”